Winter Recipes

Hot chocolate is an always-popular winter favorite. What's not to love about warming up with a steaming, hot cup of rich, luscious hot chocolate, topped with a luxurious swirl of whipped cream after a long, chilly day? This season, I tried a new version: White Hot Chocolate, made with rich white chocolate. My daughter was skeptical at first but quickly came to love this recipe in a matter of sips. It may be our new favorite warm winter drink!

The slow-cooker (or Crock-Pot—whatever you want to call it!) is my best friend in the kitchen each winter. There is no better way to get a wholesome, delicious family dinner on the table when you are exhausted from work or parenting. One of my favorite healthy soups to make during the cold season is Slow-Cooker Tomato Soup.

Warm, seasonal Anjou pears, topped with crumbly, sweet, spiced oats and baked to gooey perfection, makes a comforting winter dish, that will keep your family cozy during these frigid months. Try this recipe for dessert today. (Hurry, before these pears go out of season!)

During the winter months, we tend to crave warm, filing dishes, and satisfying dinners. This recipe merges fiber-rich pasta with seasonal, hearty veggies that will satisfy your cravings, without letting you deviate from your wholesome diet. Sweet potato is a great addition to the traditional cheese sauce, because provides a velvety texture and sweet flavor. Try this vegetarian recipe on Meatless Monday!

This winter, warm up on chilly evenings with a steaming, comforting mug of Hot Buttered Rum that imparts a tantalizing aroma you won't be able to resist. An excellent alternative to a standard chilled cocktail, you can even serve a pot of this at a party (like New Year's) or as an after-dinner drink. Find the recipe below.

During the frenzy of the holidays it is important for parents to take a little time for themselves. Warm up and space out with a steaming, decadent, flavorful cup of coffee, and eake a break from your busy day for a quick snack! This simple recipe makes a fabulous drink you can sip in peace when you need some this holiday season.

Quinoa, a protein-packed grain, is versatile and easy to work with—and it's gluten-free! There are endless savory recipes you can make with this super food, and now you have a simple, sweet, healthy breakfast option, as well. What better way to start your day (or your kid's day), than with a bowl full of nutrient-rich, hot cereal? This is perfect on chilly fall or winter mornings. Whip it up as a quick weekday breakfast, or savor slowly on a lazy Sunday morning.

I like to add a little sweetness and spice to my hot chocolate, which is why I love this Mexican Hot Chocolate mix that I make myself at home. Plus, it is super quick and easy to fix and is the perfect comfort food for these cold winter days.

I love a sweet cup of Chai Tea.  It's warming, comforting, and delicious!  I created this non-tea version for my kids and it has been a lovely treat during this rainy winter season!
 

I am mostly a tea drinker, but in the winter I love hot chocolate. I like to make my own hot chocolate mix and keep it in my pantry. It tastes better than the store-bought mixes and is less expensive, too.